Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Cheesy garlic chicken wraps served with a side of fresh salad.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Introduction
The moment you warm a tortilla and breathe in the garlicky steam rising from melted cheddar and tender shredded chicken, something small and quietly celebratory happens. The garlic aioli offers a creamy, aromatic lift; the cheddar pulls into satisfying strings; the chicken adds savory, juicy heft; and the tortillas give everything a soft, comforting hug. Each bite gives you contrast — crisped edges if you grill the wrap, a creamy center, a faint tang from the aioli and the warm, nutty flavor of the cheese. It’s the kind of food that feels like a cozy dinner and a festive snack at the same time.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and impressive, for casual gatherings and game-day spreads, or for packing as a hearty office lunch. It’s versatile enough to be elevated for guests or simplified for a solo, satisfying meal.

Dish Snapshot

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (to warm and melt)
  • Total Time: 18–20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 wraps
  • Difficulty Level: Easy — great for cooks of any skill level

Nutrition Highlights
Nutrition per serving (estimated; yields 4 servings)

Values below are estimates based on typical product nutrition and USDA FoodData Central entries for cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise-style aioli, and large flour tortillas. For individualized dietary guidance or if you have health conditions, consult a registered dietitian or resources such as the USDA or Mayo Clinic.

  • Calories: ~617 kcal
  • Protein: ~34 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30 g
  • Fat: ~35 g
    • Saturated fat: ~10 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2 g
  • Sodium: variable (estimate 700–900 mg depending on product brands)

Notes:

  • These figures are approximate and will vary with the brands you use (especially tortillas and aioli). Estimates were derived using USDA FoodData Central values and typical product labels; for precision, check package nutrition facts.
  • If you’re watching sodium or saturated fat, choose reduced-sodium tortillas, low-fat or yogurt-based aioli alternatives, or reduced-fat cheddar.

Why You’ll Love It
This wrap delivers on scent and comfort: the garlicky aroma draws people in, the warm melted cheddar creates irresistible texture, and shredded chicken provides filling protein. It’s a dish that sparks connection — perfect for sharing at casual get-togethers or wrapping up for a picnic. It’s also fast and forgiving: with cooked chicken on hand, assembly and warming takes minutes, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Finally, it’s flexible — swap in seasonal produce or adjust heat levels to suit the occasion.

Method & Process
Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
  • 1/2 cup garlic aioli (about 120 ml)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (about 113 g)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional ingredients and substitutions

  • Add-ins: 1 cup baby spinach or shredded lettuce, 1 small tomato (sliced), 1/4 cup sliced red onion, or pickled jalapeños.
  • Substitutions: use Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic for a lighter aioli; use pepper jack or mozzarella in place of cheddar; use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or canned jackfruit (for vegan).
  • For gluten-free: swap in certified gluten-free tortillas or collard green wraps.
  • For lower fat: use reduced-fat mayonnaise or light aioli and reduced-fat cheese.

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: shred the cooked chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Shred the cheddar if not pre-shredded. If using fresh additions (spinach, tomato), slice or prep them now.
  2. Combine filling: in a bowl, gently fold the shredded chicken with the garlic aioli until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing — you want defined pieces of chicken surrounded by creamy aioli.
  3. Assemble wraps: lay a tortilla flat and place one-quarter of the chicken mixture down the center. Top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar and any optional add-ins (spinach, tomato, onion).
  4. Fold: fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  5. Warm and melt: heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with a thin brush of oil or a nonstick spray. Place the wraps seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden and the cheese is melted. For crisper tortillas, cook an extra minute per side.
  6. Rest and slice: remove from heat and let rest 1 minute to set. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve warm.

Practical tips:

  • If you’re short on time, heat wraps in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–8 minutes until cheese melts.
  • To prevent sogginess, toast tortillas lightly before assembling or place wet ingredients (tomato, salsa) away from the tortilla edge.
  • Check doneness by ensuring cheese is visibly melted and center feels warm to the touch.

Serve It Up

  • Classic: Serve warm halves on a plate with a simple green salad and kettle-cooked chips.
  • Brunch-style: Pair with scrambled eggs and a hot cup of coffee or tea for a savory morning treat.
  • Snack/Party platter: Slice into bite-sized pinwheels and serve with dipping sauces such as salsa, ranch, or extra aioli.
  • Comfort bowl: Deconstruct and serve the filling over rice or a bed of greens for a bowl version.
  • Simple side pairings: coleslaw, pickles, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Storing Leftovers

  • Room temperature: Do not leave assembled wraps with mayonnaise-style aioli and cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F) for food safety; follow USDA guidelines for perishables.
  • Refrigeration: Store assembled wraps in an airtight container or tightly wrapped for up to 3–4 days. To reduce sogginess, store chicken filling separately from tortillas; assemble and warm before serving.
  • Freezer: Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2–3 months in a sealed freezer bag. Assembled wraps freeze poorly (texture changes), but if necessary, wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

Chef’s Advice

  • Use warm, freshly shredded chicken for the best texture and flavor; cold, dense chicken won’t meld as well with the aioli.
  • Grate your own cheddar: pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can inhibit melting. Freshly grated cheddar gives a creamier melt and better stretch.
  • Toast tortillas first if you want to avoid sogginess — a quick dry toast seals them and improves flavor.
  • Balance salt carefully: aioli and cheese bring sodium; taste the chicken mixture before adding extra salt.
  • For an even quicker melt, assemble wraps open-faced on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes until cheese bubbles, then fold and serve.

Fun Flavor Ideas

  • Spicy Southwest: Mix 1–2 tbsp of sriracha or chipotle in adobo into the aioli, add corn and black beans, and use pepper jack cheese.
  • Mediterranean twist: Swap aioli for tzatziki, add sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta in place of cheddar.
  • Vegan version: Use pulled jackfruit or seasoned chickpeas, vegan garlic mayo, and a plant-based shredded cheese, served in a gluten-free or whole-grain wrap.
  • Herb & citrus: Add chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to brighten the filling.

Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor. Shred the meat and discard skin if you prefer less fat.

Q: How do I keep the tortilla from getting soggy?
A: Toast tortillas briefly before assembling, or assemble at serving time. Put wetter ingredients (tomato, salsa) in the center, away from edges.

Q: Is there a healthier swap for aioli?
A: Mix plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Prepare the chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and warm wraps just before serving for best texture.

Q: How should I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and cheese remelts, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep tortillas crisp.

Conclusion

I hope these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps become a trusted favorite — they’re quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. If you’d like another take on this exact idea, see this classic version at Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, or for a slightly different recipe and serving suggestions, check out Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. Try the recipe, tweak a variation, and share your photos and tips — I’d love to hear what you make!

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Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps


Description

Warm tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken, garlicky aioli, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick meal or snack.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 280 g)
  • 1/2 cup garlic aioli (about 120 ml)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (about 113 g)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach, 1 small tomato (sliced), 1/4 cup sliced red onion, or pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: shred the cooked chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper. Shred the cheddar if not pre-shredded.
  2. Combine filling: in a bowl, gently fold the shredded chicken with the garlic aioli until evenly coated.
  3. Assemble wraps: lay a tortilla flat and place one-quarter of the chicken mixture down the center. Top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar and any optional add-ins.
  4. Fold: fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a wrap.
  5. Warm and melt: heat a skillet over medium heat, place the wraps seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
  6. Rest and slice: remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute to set. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve warm.

Notes

For crisper tortillas, cook an extra minute per side. Serve with a simple salad or as bite-sized pinwheels for a party.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 617
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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